The Planner: Sydney

When director Ralph Myers sat down to read J. M. Barrie's original play, he found something far stranger, far wilder and far more brilliant than Disney ever let us believe. Award-winning playwright Tommy Murphy has transposed the classic story of the boy who wouldn't grow up into 1980s suburbia. Think pirates playing Pictionary, Twister with Tinkerbell and lost boys in leg warmers. Rising star of Australian theatre Meyne Wyatt (named best newcomer at the 2012 Sydney Theatre Awards) plays the mischievous title character. The charming Geraldine Hakewill (Les Liaison Dangereuses, Sydney Theatre Company) plays Wendy, and the rakish Charlie Garber (As You Like It) is the fearsome Captain Hook. Until February 10, various times, Belvoir Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills, adults $65, concessions $45, student rush $29, family $130, 9699 3444, belvoir.com.au.

BLAZE

This high-voltage international dance spectacular comes direct from London's West End and features some of the world's best dancers and DJs, including Demi Sorono of So You Think You Can Dance fame. The choreographer of Sister Act and Mamma Mia! is bringing raw street dance to the Opera House this month. Blaze has become an international phenomenon, receiving sweeping critical acclaim after playing to sell-out crowds in London, Paris, Berlin and Bangkok. You'll be bopping along in your seat to tunes from Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Lady Gaga and more. Until January 16, various times, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, $49-$119, 9250 7777, sydneyoperahouse.com.

HAIL TO THE KING

Today would have been Elvis Presley's 78th birthday, and what better way to celebrate than with an Elvis song-fest? The Vanguard's favourite female performers will interpret his music, along with a full backing band and specially designed sets and costumes. The show stars Mojo Juju, Kira Puru, Cash Savage, Stella Angelico, Holiday Sidewinder and Twincest. Meal-and-show packages available. Tonight, 6.30pm, The Vanguard, 42 King Street, Newtown, from $38.80, 9557 9409, thevanguard.com.au. ALEXANDER THE GREAT

History buffs travel from all over the world to visit the famous State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, Russia. Now they're making the journey to Sydney, where the largest collection of treasures to come to Australia from the Hermitage is on display at the Australian Museum. The blockbuster exhibition includes signature pieces such as the Gonzaga Cameo and the polished black basalt statue of Cleopatra VII. See more than 400 objects from classical antiquity through to the modern age, spanning almost 2500 years. Until April 28, Australian Museum, 6 College Street, city, 9320 6000, australianmuseum.net.au, to book call 13 61 00 or visit ticketmaster.com.au.